Good Move, Bad Move: Josh Cribbs

Thomas Kim

03/27/2014

Most effective as a kick returner, Josh Cribbs saw his fair share of snaps while running the wildcat formation during the course of his career. Meanwhile, with wideouts Jacoby Jones and Ted Ginn Jr. now off the free agent market, the Giants are still in search of a receiver-return man. Is there a place for Josh Cribbs on the Giants roster?

After playing in Cleveland for eight years, wide receiver/return man Josh Cribbs' debut season as a New York Jet was cut short due to a devastating shoulder injury.

Originally a quarterback at Kent State, Josh Cribbs shined as the school's all-time total offense leader. Despite his athletic ability, Cribbs went undrafted in 2005 and was later picked up by the Browns as a free agent. For eight years he stayed in Cleveland, not really making his mark as a wideout but as the primary return man. Cribbs truly excelled in this dangerous position, becoming the NFL record holder for most career kickoff return touchdowns and breaking more than a handful of the Brown's franchise records. With his contract expiring this year, Cribbs is set to hit the free agent market.

The Giants have been on a signing bonanza, adding 19 free agents within the last two weeks. However, with five-year veteran Hakeem Nicks going to the Colts, the Giants still need to find a solid replacement to improve their subpar receiving corps. Victor Cruz is coming off another brilliant season but commands too much attention from opposing defenses. On top of building a stronger offensive line, the Giants need more playmakers on the outside if they want to reduce interceptions and improve their average of 18.5 points per game (No. 28 in league).

Newly hired offensive coordinator Ben McAdoo has big plans and is ready to rebuild this "broken" offensive unit.
"Everybody on the offensive side of the ball needs to play better," noted McAdoo. "With that being said everyone comes in with a clean slate. This is going to be a new operation on offense.

In addition to focusing on fundamentals and taking better care of the football, McAdoo says the screen pass is something he wants to implement more often this season. As someone who's used to making big plays in the open field, Josh Cribbs could be force in this restructuring offensive group.

However, with the Giants' recent addition of safety Quintin Demps and receiver Trindon Holliday, there seems to be enough competition for the return specialist job. Josh Cribbs has never proven himself to be a game changing wideout threat and it's doubtful that he would beat out Mario Manningham, Reuben Randle, or Jerrel Jernigan for a starting position. Coming off a season ending torn pectoral injury, Cribbs may or may not earn a roster spot on the Jets, but either way he's not the receiving talent the Giants need, but they may find some star potential come draft day.